Chuck Schumer

Schumer announces that he will allow a Republican temporary funding bill to pass rather than trigger a shutdown, despite opposition from a large proportion of Democratic lawmakers. His decision sparks an internal crisis and public calls for him to step down as caucus leader.

State of the evidence

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Not applicable

In a highly unusual speech for a US leader, Schumer calls on Israel to hold new elections and considers Benjamin Netanyahu's government no longer responsive to the country's needs, describing Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace with Palestinians.

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

Schumer is among the Democratic senators who vote in 2002 to authorise the use of force in Iraq. Twenty years later, he explains that the Bush administration 'bungled the war' and should never have been given the benefit of the doubt that he extended to it.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated

At an abortion rights rally outside the Supreme Court, Schumer warns Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh that they have 'released the whirlwind' and 'will pay the price'. Chief Justice John Roberts describes the remarks as dangerous and threatening.

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

In January 2018, Schumer leads Democratic negotiations during a shutdown arising from disagreement over immigration and DACA. Republicans call it the 'Schumer shutdown'. Democrats eventually agree to reopen the government in exchange for a promise of a later immigration debate, a decision criticised by sections of their base.

State of the evidence

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Not applicable

Regarding Donald Trump's attacks on US intelligence agencies, Schumer says it is 'really dumb' to challenge them because they have 'six ways from Sunday at getting back at you'. The remark fuels criticism concerning the idea of intelligence agencies capable of political retaliation.

State of the evidence

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Not applicable

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Personally implicated

Schumer announces that he will vote against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated with Iran by the Obama administration. As a senior Senate Democrat, his decision triggers a strong White House response and divisions within the Democratic Party.

State of the evidence

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Not applicable

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Directly implicated

After Schumer makes public a letter expressing serious concerns about IndyMac, the bank experiences a depositor run of approximately $1.55 billion before closing. The Office of Thrift Supervision accuses him of accelerating the collapse, triggering a major controversy over the effect of his statements.

State of the evidence

Documented

Schumer's 1998 Senate campaign, which raised very large sums and received a substantial proportion of donations from financial sectors, undergoes an FEC audit and a Republican complaint concerning coordinated expenditures. The audit identifies documentation issues and reattribution of certain contributions.

State of the evidence

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